AWB's third Federal Affairs Summit brought together lawmakers from both parties and a diverse blend of Washington employers to discuss challenges and solutions last week in the Tri-Cities. Highlights include remarks on bipartisanship, international trade and tariffs, and a keynote address from the under secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to host a new national grid energy research facility, which could lead to millions in new federal investment. The new facility, which will require funding from Congress, would help modernize the country's utility grid to make it more resilient and secure.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee ended his presidential bid last week. He quickly announced another run for governor, which immediately had a ripple effect in Washington politics, as several Democrats were eyeing the governor's mansion in case Inslee chose not to run again.

Policy Summit is back! One of our most popular events, this one often sells out. Don't miss a point counter-point with two former White House chiefs of staff, and dozens of other compelling speakers. Register today!

The Washington wheat harvest is underway, and producers report average to above average yields, The Spokesman-Review reports. But even with a good crop, many are faced with the prospect of selling their crops for about what it cost to produce.

Applications are being accepted now for the annual Holiday Kids' Tree Project. AWB members have donated more than $420,000 over the past 30 years to help families in need during the holiday season. Fire departments help us distribute that money in the form of toys and gifts. Now is the time for rural fire districts to apply to be part of this year's program. Employers with contacts in the firefighting community are being asked to spread the word.

AWB's Employment Law Committee will meet Thursday, Aug. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at the AWB offices in Olympia. Discussion items include AWB's written response to the draft EAP overtime rules, among other topics. Please contact Government Affairs Director for Employment Law Bob Battles for more information at BobB@awb.org.

Committee members who wish to participate by phone must make arrangements in advance. Please contact Tommy Gill at TommyG@awb.org or 360.943.1600 for details.

Policy Summit is back! One of our most popular events, this one often sells out. Make connections and engage in high-level, statewide policy discussions. Learn about the current outlook on issues that impact your business and the communities where we live and work. Save your spot!#AWBsummit19

"'Powerful federal lawmakers are in Tri-Cities this week' -- They never put that in when it's just me." ~ U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., finding humor in Tri-City Herald headline about AWB's Federal Affairs Summit, which drew five members of Washington's Congressional delegation to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for a daylong summit with business leaders.

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please contact members@awb.org.

For 85 years, the federal Export-Import Bank has helped American corporations compete in the global marketplace. Now it is in need of reauthorization from Congress.

In recent years in Clark County, the bank has supported companies such as Conquest Consulting Group, Northwest Natural Products and Neil Jones Food Company. Across Washington, it has supported companies large and small in every region. About 90 percent of businesses that use Ex-Im Bank services are small businesses that provide local jobs and contribute to the local tax base.

The Ex-Im Bank, which provides and guarantees loans to help foreign entities make purchases from U.S. companies, is particularly important in our state, where an estimated 40 percent of all jobs are tied in some fashion to international trade...